YES
Nature to Neighborhoods
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In the darkness of winter, we seek light and warmth - candles, fires in the hearth, the porchlight on as we arrive home, and the company of loved ones.
Here at YES, light, warmth, and community bring to mind one thing: campfires.
Campfires bring us closer, creating a safe and cozy world within the light as the night comes down around us.
YES staff, youth, and families come together around dozens of campfires all year long. We learn about one another while sharing stories, laughter, song... and of course, s'mores. This December, each Tuesday, we'll be sending that campfire warmth your way through
stories of YES participants that offer hope, inspiration, and a light in the dark.
As we consider the political climate confronting us, we know new and significant challenges lie ahead for the families and in the neighborhoods we serve. YES remains dedicated to building healthy, resilient communities with the capacity to offer support during difficult times, uplift families facing hardship, and come together in joyful celebration.
We hope you'll help with this important work. Every donation made through December 31st will be matched 1:1, and every donation will support transformative experiences in the outdoors for YES youth and adults.
Warm wishes,
Eric Aaholm, Executive Director
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Billy has been engaged with YES since 2008 and has followed our youth pathway from a first-time summer camper to a seasoned backpacker and summer camp Counselor-In-Leadership-Training. At age 15, he now is an active, core member of YES's year-round Camp-To-Community teen program.
This summer, just before entering high school, Billy experienced the Sierra Nevadas for the very first time on a two-week backpacking trip made possible by a collaboration between YES and Outward Bound.
From alpine glow to the model of leadership and generosity he found in his trip leaders, come sit by the fire and watch and listen to
Billy's story
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At age eight, Jaden became a first-time YES Summer Camper. He followed in the footsteps of one of his five older brothers, Ramon, who became a camp Counselor-in-Training after seven years as a camper.
After four years of Summer Camp, Jaden recently joined our brand new Richmond Rangers group, where he spends every other Saturday hiking and exploring local East Bay Regional Parks alongside 14 other young people, park naturalists, and YES staff and teen leaders.
Jaden has faced many difficulties in his young life. In February he lost his oldest brother in a motorcycle accident.
Jaden's mother Nina recently shared with us that YES has been a support for both she and Jaden, and that
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"It has really been tough for me as a single mother to get through these months. Having the YES program in our lives has helped so much during this difficult time, and just seeing him smile I know he is in a safe and caring environment."
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since joining the Richmond Rangers, Jaden "has been so excited and
expressing how much fun he is having making new friends and enjoying the leaders. When YES told us about their Richmond Rangers program I knew it would be a good fit for Jaden - spending time outdoors with role models who want the best for my son and other kids who are growing up in a single parent home."
When Jaden walks through the doors each Saturday, he always has a bright smile on his face, and when asked about his favorite part of the day, his response is always the same: he raises up both arms, a huge smile breaks across his face, and he says
EVERYTHING!
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More Ways to Support YES!
Consider a
holiday donation
in honor of a special person in your life.
A special gift letter will be sent to your honoree in acknowledgement.
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Support YES through your regular online shopping!
3. We receive a donation!
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3029 Macdonald Avenue | Richmond, CA 94804 | 510.232.3032
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